Doxepin trans isomers and isomeric mixtures and methods of using the same to treat sleep disorders

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to use of the trans-(E) isomer or isomeric mixtures containing specified ratios of the trans-(E) and cis-(Z) isomers of doxepin, metabolites of doxepin, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of doxepin and prodrugs of the same; compositions containing the same, for the treatment of sleep disorders

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/535,623, filed Aug. 4, 2009, which a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/022,788, filed Jan. 30, 2008, which claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/898,378, filed Jan. 30, 2007; and U.S. application Ser. No. 12/022,788 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/804,720, filed May 18, 2007, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/801,824, filed May 19, 2006, and 60/833,319, filed Jul. 25, 2006. The entire content of all of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to use of the trans-(E) isomer or isomeric mixtures containing specified ratios of the trans-(E) and cis-(Z) isomers of doxepin and metabolites of doxepin, as well as pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and prodrugs of the same; and compositions containing the same, for the treatment of sleep disorders.

2. Description of the Related Art

Sleep is essential for health and quality of life. Insomnia is a subjective complaint of dissatisfaction with the quantity, quality or timing of sleep. Insomnia is estimated to occur in approximately 12% to 25% of the general population, although this is probably an underestimate as there is evidence that many adults do not report their sleep problems to a health care professional.

One study has found that fewer than 15% of those who suffer from insomnia are treated with prescription medications. Medications commonly used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia, include sedative antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, melatonin receptor agonists, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.

Benzodiazepines work by binding to and activating sites on the GABA-A receptor complex. Short, intermediate and long-acting benzodiazepines such as triazolam, temazepam and flurazepam were all commonly prescribed for this indication. While these agents have proven to be efficacious and relatively safe, benzodiazepines are associated with a multitude of adverse effects, including residual daytime sedation (“hangover”), amnesia, memory loss and respiratory depression. Rebound insomnia has also been associated with benzodiazepines. Tolerance to the hypnotic effects of the benzodiazepines is common and abrupt discontinuation can result in withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, rebound insomnia, perceptual changes, confusion, disorientation and even seizures.

Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics have become the primary class of medications for the treatment of insomnia. The leading approved non-benzodiazepine insomnia medications, eszopiclone, zolpidem, and zaleplon, also work by binding to and activating the GABA-A receptors. All these drugs approved for the treatment of insomnia that act via the GABA-A receptor, including benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, have a potential for addiction and abuse and are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. As a result, many physicians are reluctant to prescribe, and patients are reluctant to take these drugs for chronic use in treating insomnia. The prescribing of a Schedule IV controlled substance brings scrutiny from the Drug Enforcement Administration and other regulatory bodies, and requires registration and administrative controls in physicians' offices.

Also, the sedative antidepressants account for a large percentage of the total prescriptions written for insomnia. The National Disease and Therapeutic Index estimates that more than 60% of the 13 million annual trazodone prescriptions are written for the treatment of insomnia, even though trazodone is not indicated for that usage and has never been promoted for that condition. Although there are very limited data to support the use of trazodone for insomnia and it is associated with undesirable side effects, trazodone is often prescribed because it is a non-scheduled agent, meaning non-addictive, unlike the benzodiazepines and other GABA-receptor agonists which are approved for the treatment of insomnia.

Recently a new hypnotic with a mode of action different from other hypnotics has been introduced. Ramelteon is a melatonin receptor agonist with high affinity for melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors. It is indicated for sleep onset insomnia but it has not been shown to produce a sleep maintenance benefit. It does not affect the GABA-A receptor complex, is not addicting and is not scheduled.

Therefore, it is desirable to have a pharmacological agent for the treatment of insomnia which is more effective and/or has fewer side effects that those currently used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia including administering to the patient doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof in a daily dosage ranging from about 0.0001 to about 499 milligrams, wherein the doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture can, in some embodiments, contain more than 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% of the trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture may contain at least 99.5% or 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer. In some embodiments, the geometric isomer mixture contains 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture may contain about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 90% to about 99.5% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 95% to about 99% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 89% to about 97% of the trans-(E) isomer, or about 89% to about 94.9% of the trans-(E) isomer.

The pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin may be the hydrochloride salt thereof. The prodrug of doxepin may be a prodrug ester.

In some embodiments, the daily dosage is about 0.0001 to about 249 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 99 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 24 milligrams, about 20 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 20 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 10 milligrams, or about 0.1 to about 5 milligrams.

The insomnia may be a chronic insomnia or a non-chronic insomnia. The non-chronic insomnia may be a transient or a short-term insomnia. The insomnia may be selected from the group consisting of onset insomnia and maintenance insomnia.

In some embodiments, the patient is not suffering from depression. In other embodiments, the patient is suffering from depression.

A method disclosed herein can further include administering at least one of ramelteon, VEC-162, gaboxadol, APD125, trazodone, indiplon, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, eszopiclone, zolpidem, tiagabine, ketanserin, and zaleplon. In some embodiments, a method disclosed herein can further include administering at least one additional medication. The at least one additional medication may be selected from a 5-HT2 antagonist, a H3 agonist, an orexin antagonist, a noradrenergic antagonist, a galanin agonist, a CRH antagonist, a GABA-A direct agonist, a GABA reuptake inhibitor, a growth hormone, a growth hormone agonist, estrogen, an estrogen agonist, an ion channel blocker, and a melatonin agonist.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition including a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin, or a prodrug of doxepin in a unit dosage form of about 0.0001 milligrams to about 499 milligrams, wherein the doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture can, in some embodiments, contain more than 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% of the trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture may contain at least 99.5% or 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer. In some embodiments, the geometric isomer mixture contains 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture may contain about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 90% to about 99.5% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 95% to about 99% of the trans-(E) isomer, about 89% to about 97% of the trans-(E) isomer, or about 89% to about 94.9% of the trans-(E) isomer.

The pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin may be the hydrochloride salt thereof. The prodrug may be an ester.

The unit dosage can, in some embodiments, be about 0.0001 to about 249 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 99 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 20 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 10 milligrams, or about 0.1 to about 5 milligrams.

The composition may be formulated for oral or nasal administration. The unit dosage form may be selected from the group consisting of a pill, a tablet, a capsule, a gel cap, and a fast melt formulation.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for treating insomnia including administering to a patient a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof in a dosage ranging from about 0.0001 to about 499 milligrams, wherein the metabolite of doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture can, in some embodiments, contain more than 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. The geometric isomer mixture may contain at least 99.5% or 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. In some embodiments, the geometric isomer mixture contains 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. The geometric isomer mixture may contain about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 90% to about 99.5% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 95% to about 99% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 89% to about 97% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, or about 89% to about 94.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite.

The metabolite of doxepin, the pharmaceutically-acceptable salt, or the prodrug may be administered in a dosage ranging from about 0.0001 to about 249 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 99 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 49 milligrams, or about 0.01 to about 24 milligrams.

The insomnia may be a chronic or a non-chronic insomnia. The non-chronic insomnia may be a transient or a short-term insomnia. The insomnia may be selected from the group consisting of onset insomnia and maintenance insomnia. The metabolite can be, in some embodiments, desmethyldoxepin, hydroxydoxepin, hydroxyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, or doxepin N-oxide.

In some embodiments, a method disclosed herein can further include administering at least one of ramelteon, VEC-162, gaboxadol, APD125, trazodone, indiplon, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, eszopiclone, zolpidem, tiagabine, ketanserin and zaleplon. In some embodiments, a method disclosed herein can further include administering at least one additional medication. In some embodiments, a method disclosed herein can further include administering at least one additional sleep medication. The at least one additional sleep medication may be selected from a 5-HT2 antagonist, a H3 agonist, an orexin antagonist, a noradrenergic antagonist, a galanin agonist, a CRH antagonist, a GABA-A direct agonist, a GABA reuptake inhibitor, a growth hormone, a growth hormone agonist, estrogen, an estrogen agonist, an ion channel blocker, and a melatonin agonist. In some embodiments, the 5-HT2 antagonist is selected from ketanserin, risperidone, eplivanserin, pruvanserin, MDL 100907, APD125, and AVE 8488. The ion channel block may be one selected from lamotrigine, gabapentin, and pregabalin. In some embodiments, the melatonin agonist is one selected from melatonin, ramelteon, and agomelatine. The at least one additional sleep medication may be selected from clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, flunitrazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, midazolam, nitrazepam, oxazepam, temazepam, triazolam, indiplon, zopiclone, eszopiclone, zaleplon, zolpidem, gaboxadol, vigabatrin, tiagabine and estazolam.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition including a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of the metabolite, or a prodrug of the metabolite in unit dosage form of about 0.0001 milligrams to about 499 milligrams, wherein doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite or is 100% trans-(E) isomer. The geometric isomer mixture can, in some embodiments, contain more than 90%, 95%, 98%, or 99% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. The geometric isomer mixture may contain at least 99.5% or 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. In some embodiments, the geometric isomer mixture contains 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite. The geometric isomer mixture may contain about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 90% to about 99.5% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 95% to about 99% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, about 89% to about 97% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite, or about 89% to about 94.9% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite.

The pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of the metabolite may be the hydrochloride salt thereof. The prodrug may be an ester. The metabolite may be desmethyldoxepin, hydroxydoxepin, hydroxyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, or doxepin N-oxide.

The unit dosage can, in some embodiments, be about 0.0001 to about 249 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 99 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 20 milligrams, about 0.1 to about 10 milligrams, or about 0.1 to about 5 milligrams.

The composition may be formulated for oral or nasal administration. The unit dosage form may be selected from the group consisting of a pill, a tablet, a capsule, a gel cap, and a fast melt formulation.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia including providing a composition enriched in trans isomer compared to the ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers in doxepin as typically prepared, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin, and administering/prescribing to the patient the enriched composition of trans isomer of doxepin, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a composition including doxepin, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin, wherein the ratio of the trans/cis-isomers is more than that found in the doxepin as typically prepared.

In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia including providing a composition enriched in trans isomer compared to ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers in one or more of the following: a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin, comparing said ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers to the ratio of trans-/cis-isomers in doxepin as typically prepared, and administering/prescribing to the patient the enriched composition of the trans isomer of the metabolite of doxepin, salt of doxepin, salt of the metabolite of doxepin, prodrug of doxepin, or prodrug of the metabolite of doxepin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to doxepin isomers, doxepin metabolite isomers, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs of the same, as well as compositions of the same. In some aspects the isomers can be in a substantially pure form (e.g., at least 95%, 97%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9% or 100% trans isomer). In other aspects the isomers can be in an isomeric mixture as described herein. Also, embodiments relate to the use of the trans-(E) isomer or geometric isomeric mixtures containing specified ratios of the trans-(E) to cis-(Z) isomers of doxepin or doxepin metabolites, prodrugs, or salts of the same to treat an individual suffering from a sleep disorder, for example a disorder such as insomnia. Several examples of insomnias that can be treated using the isomers and isomeric mixtures are described below. In some embodiments, the sleep disorder, such as insomnia, can be treated by administering low dosages of doxepin or doxepin metabolite isomers and isomeric mixtures, while in others it can be administered in a higher dosage. Various dosages of isomers are described below. Surprisingly, when used in specific isomeric ratios described herein, low doses of doxepin isomers and isomers of doxepin metabolites are very effective in treating insomnia with very minimal side effects. The isomers and isomer mixtures, as well as their uses, as described herein have not been described previously, particularly for use in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Doxepin is a tricyclic compound approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety. The recommended daily dose for the treatment of depression and anxiety ranges from 75 milligrams to 300 milligrams. Doxepin, unlike most FDA approved products for the treatment of insomnia, is not a Schedule IV controlled substance.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,502,047 and 6,211,229, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, describe the use of doxepin for the treatment of chronic and non-chronic (e.g., transient/short term) insomnias at dosages far below those used to treat depression.

No studies have investigated whether sleep disorders can be effectively treated by isomers or geometric isomeric mixtures of doxepin or doxepin metabolites, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts or prodrugs of the same, for example, in mixtures containing higher proportions of the trans-(E) isomer than found in doxepin as typically prepared. According to USP 25, 2002. United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., Rockville, Md. P. 615, doxepin hydrochloride U.S.P. is a geometric isomer mixture “containing not less than 13.6% and not more than 18.1%” of the cis isomer and “not less than 81.4% and not more than 88.2%” of the trans isomer.

Methods of Treating Sleep Disorders

Some embodiments of the instant invention relate to methods for the treatment of a patient suffering from a sleep disorder, such as insomnia. The methods can include the administration to a patient of an isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances. The medication can be administered in any suitable dosage to treat the sleep disorder, including the dosages described herein. For example, the medication can be administered in a daily dosage ranging from about 0.001, to about 9 milligrams, to about 24 milligrams, to about 49 milligrams, to about 99 milligrams, to about 249 milligrams, or to about 499 milligrams. Also, as previously mentioned, the isomers can be administered alone (e.g, in a substantially pure or pure form) or in an isomeric mixture. Examples of isomeric ratios are described elsewhere herein. As an example, the medication can contain about 88.3% to about 100.0%, about 90% to about 100.0%, about 95% to about 100.0%, about 98% to about 100.0%, about 99% to about 100.0%, about 99.5% to about 100.0%, about 99.9% to about 100.0%, or 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer. In some aspects a substantially pure isomer can be administered, for example, at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 99.5%, or 99.9% trans-(E) isomer. In some aspects a pure or 100% trans-(E) isomer can be used in the methods. The insomnia can be any insomnia, including those described herein.

Some embodiments relate to methods for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia, for example, by providing a composition enriched in trans isomer compared to the ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers in doxepin as typically prepared, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin; and administering/prescribing to said patient enriched composition of trans isomer of doxepin, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin. “Native”, “native-occurring” or “as typically prepared” can refer, for example, to a common form of the compound available in the pharmaceutical or chemical industry or a form produced by standard chemical synthesis.

Some embodiments relate to methods for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia, for example, by providing a composition enriched in trans isomer compared to ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers in one or more of the following: a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin; comparing the ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers to the ratio of trans-/cis-isomers in doxepin as typically prepared; and administering/prescribing to said patient said enriched composition of the trans isomer of the metabolite of doxepin, salt of doxepin, salt of the metabolite of doxepin, prodrug of doxepin, or prodrug of the metabolite of doxepin.

Also, some embodiments relate to compositions that include doxepin, a metabolite of doxepin, a salt of doxepin, a salt of a metabolite of doxepin, a prodrug of doxepin, or a prodrug of a metabolite of doxepin, wherein the ratio of the trans-/cis-isomers in the composition is more than that found in the compound as typically prepared.

As mentioned above and elsewhere, the methods described herein can be used to treat individuals suffering from a sleep disorder, such as insomnia. The term “insomnia” generally refers to sleep problems characterized by difficulty falling asleep, wakings during the night, or waking up earlier than desired. Examples of insomnia include chronic and non-chronic insomnias.

For chronic (e.g., greater than 3-4 weeks) or non-chronic insomnias, a patient may suffer from difficulties in sleep onset, sleep maintenance (interruption of sleep during the night by periods of wakefulness), sleep duration, sleep efficiency, premature early-morning awakening, or a combination thereof. Also, the insomnia may be attributable to the concurrent use of other medication. The non-chronic insomnia can be, for example, a short term insomnia or a transient insomnia. The chronic or non-chronic insomnia can be a primary insomnia or an insomnia that is secondary or attributable to another condition, for example a disorder such as depression or chronic fatigue syndrome. In some aspects, the patient can be one who is not suffering from an insomnia that is a component of a disease, the patient can be one whose insomnia is unrelated to a disease, or a patient can be treated who is otherwise healthy, for example. As previously mentioned, the chronic or non-chronic insomnia can be a primary insomnia, that is, one that is not attributable to another disorder such as a mental or neurological disorder, a general medical condition, or a substance. In many cases, such conditions may be associated with a chronic insomnia and can include, but are not limited to, insomnia attributable to a diagnosable DSM-IV disorder, a disorder such as anxiety or depression, or a disturbance of the physiological sleep-wake system. In some aspects the insomnia can be non-chronic, or of short duration (e.g., less than 3-4 weeks). Examples of causes of such insomnia may be extrinsic or intrinsic and include, but are not limited to environmental sleep disorders as defined by the International Classification of Sleep Disorders (ICSD) such as inadequate sleep hygiene, altitude insomnia or adjustment sleep disorder (e.g., bereavement). Also, short-term insomnia may also be caused by disturbances such as shift-work sleep disorder.

Also, some embodiments can include the use of an isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances in combination with other insomnia or sleep medications. For example, the methods can include the use of one or more of ramelteon, VEC-162, APD125, trazodone, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, or the like. Further, the methods can include the use of one or more of 5-HT2 antagonists (such as ketanserin), H3 agonists, orexin antagonists, noradrenergic antagonists, galanin agonists and CRH antagonists. Similarly, the methods can use GABA modulator (e.g., a compound that facilitates GABA neurotransmission) such as benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine positive modulators such as eszopiclone, indiplon, zolpidem and zaleplon, GABA-A direct agonists (such as gaboxadol), and GABA reuptake inhibitor (such as tiagabine). Finally, the methods can use growth hormone and growth hormone agonists, estrogen and estrogen agonists, melatonin agonists or the like. The methods can also include the use of one or more antihistamines.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with ramelteon. Ramelteon ((S)—N-[2-(1,6,7,8-tetrahydro-2H-indeno-[5,4-b]furan-8-yl)ethyl]propionamide) can be used in any dosage, but preferably can be used in a dosage of about 0.5 milligrams to about 20 milligrams. More preferably, about 4, 8 or 16 milligrams can be used, for example.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with eszopiclone. Eszopiclone also can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 10 milligrams. Preferably, as an example, the dosage can be about 1, 2, or 3 milligrams.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with zolpidem. Zolpidem (N,N,6-trimethyl-2-p-tolylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-acetamide L-(+)-tartrate (2:1)) also can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 20 milligrams. In some embodiments, as an example, the dosage can be about 6.25-milligrams, 12.5 milligrams or a dosage that is a factor thereof. In other embodiments, the dosage can be about 5-milligrams, 10-milligrams or a dosage that is a factor thereof.

Furthermore, an isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with zaleplon. Zaleplon (N-[3-(3-cyantopryazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-7-yl)phenyl]-N-ethylacetamide) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 20 milligrams. Preferably, as an example, the dosage can be about 5, 10 or 20 milligrams, for example.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with gaboxadol. Gaboxadol (7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 20 40 milligrams. Preferably, as an example, the dosage can be about 0.5 to about 20 milligrams or 10 or 15 milligrams, for example.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with VEC-162. VEC-162 can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 100 milligrams. Preferably, as an example, the dosage can be about 10, 20, 50 or 100 milligrams, for example.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with indiplon. Indiplon (N-methyl-N-[3-[3-(2-thienylcarbonyl)-pyrazolo[1,5-α]pyrimidin-7-yl]phenyl]acetamide) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.1 to about 10 milligrams. Preferably, as an example, the dosage can be about 5 or 10 milligrams, for example.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with MDL 100907. MDL 100907 (Sanofi-Aventis) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.5 to about 100 milligrams, or preferably from about 1 to about 50 milligrams.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with APD125. APD125 (Arena Pharmaceuticals) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 1 to about 160 milligrams, preferably about 5 to about 80 milligrams, or more preferably about 10 to about 40 milligrams.

An isomer of doxepin, a mixture of doxepin isomers, an isomer of a metabolite of doxepin, a mixture of metabolite isomers, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned substances may be used in combination with AVE8488. AVE 8488 (Sanofi-Aventis) can be used in any suitable dosage. For example, the dosage can be about 0.5 to about 100 milligrams, or preferably from about 1 to about 50 milligrams. It should be noted that in some aspects, the methods can specifically exclude one or more of any of the sleep disorders described in the previous paragraph or elsewhere herein. For example, without being limited thereto, in some aspects the methods can specifically exclude treating a chronic insomnia. As another example, without being limited thereto, in some aspects the methods can specifically exclude treating an insomnia that is attributable to a condition such as depression, anxiety or chronic fatigue.

Compounds of Doxepin and Metabolites Doxepin:

Doxepin has the following structure:

For all compounds disclosed herein, unless otherwise indicated, where a carbon-carbon double bond is depicted, both the cis and trans stereoisomers, as well as mixtures thereof are encompassed.

It is contemplated that doxepin for use in the methods described herein can be obtained from any suitable source or made by any suitable method. As mentioned, doxepin is approved and available in higher doses (75-300 milligrams) for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Doxepin HCl is available commercially and may be obtained in capsule form from a number of sources. Doxepin is marketed under the commercial name SINEQUAN® and in generic form, and can be obtained in the United States generally from pharmacies in capsule form in amounts of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg dosage, and in liquid concentrate form at 10 mg/mL. Doxepin HCl can be obtained from Plantex Ltd. Chemical Industries (Hakadar Street, Industrial Zone, P.O. Box 160, Netanya 42101, Israel), Sifavitor S.p.A. (Via Livelli 1—Frazione, Mairano, Italy), or from Dipharma S.p.A. (20021 Baranzate di Bollate, Milano, Italy). Also, doxepin is commercially available from PharmacyRx (NZ) (2820 1^(st) Avenue, Castlegar, B.C., Canada) in capsule form in amounts of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg. Furthermore, Doxepin HCl is available in capsule form in amounts of 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 mg and in a 10 mg/ml liquid concentrate from CVS Online Pharmacy Store (CVS.com).

Furthermore, doxepin (11-(3-dimethylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo(b,e)oxepin) can be prepared according to the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,438,981, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An example preparation is described below in Example 1.

One available form of doxepin is a mixture of trans-(E) and cis-(Z) isomers in a ratio of approximately 85 to 15, respectively, as shown below. (Wyatt et al., Applied Spectroscopy. (1986) 40:369-373; which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). (E)-doxepin and (Z)-doxepin have the following structures:

The doxepin isomers can be prepared by any suitable method. For example, doxepin can be prepared in either of its (E) or (Z) isomers from 11-[3-(Dimethylamino)propyl]-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin-11-ol as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,851, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Further, the (E) or (Z) isomers can be isolated via crystallization of doxepin hydrochloride from a mixture of ethanol and diethyl ether as taught in the incorporated material of U.S. Pat. No. 3,420,851. For example, preferably the ratio of E/Z isomers can be about 88.3/11.7, about 89/11, about 90/10, about 94/6, about 95/5, about 99/1, about 99.5/0.5, or about 99.9/0.1. In some aspects, the ratio of E/Z isomers can vary from about 86/14 to about 100/0, about 88.3/11.7 to about 100/0, from about 89/11 to about 99.9/0.1, from about 90/10 to about 99.5/0.5, from about 95/5 to about 99/1, from about 89/11 to about 97/3, from about 89/11 to about 94.9/5.1, or the like. In some embodiments, a substantially pure or pure trans isomer can be prepared. As used herein, the trans isomer can refer to a mixture containing more than 90%, more than 95%, more than 98%, more than 99%, more than 99.5%, more than 99.9%, or 100% of the trans isomer.

Each of the references discussed above is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some aspects, the teachings of one or more of the references can be included or combined with instant methods or embodiments, while in other aspects the teachings of one or more of the references can be specifically excluded from the methods and embodiments described herein. As one example, the dosages used or the patient population that is treated (e.g., age, health/disease profile, etc.) in a reference can be excluded or included from the methods and embodiments described herein.

Metabolites of Doxepin:

Also, isomers of doxepin metabolites can be prepared and used. By way of illustration, some examples of metabolites of doxepin can include, but are not limited to, desmethyldoxepin, hydroxydoxepin, hydroxyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, doxepin N-oxide, N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, quaternary ammonium-linked glucuronide, 2-O-glucuronyldoxepin, didesmethyldoxepin, 3-O-glucuronyldoxepin, or N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin. The metabolites of doxepin can be obtained or made by any suitable method, including by the methods similar to those described above for doxepin.

Desmethyldoxepin has the following structure:

Desmethyldoxepin is commercially available as a forensic standard. For example, it can be obtained from Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (50 Frontage Road, Andover, Mass. Desmethyldoxepin for use in the methods discussed herein can be prepared by any suitable procedure. For example, desmethyldoxepin can be prepared from 3-methylaminopropyl triphenylphosphonium bromide hydrobromide and 6,11-dihydrodibenz(b,e)oxepin-11-one according to the method taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,175, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As another example, desmethyldoxepin can be prepared in its (E) and (Z) isomers from desmethyldoxepin hydrochloride as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,661, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Hydroxydoxepin has the following structure:

2-Hydroxydoxepin can be prepared in its (Z) and (E) isomers as taught by Shu et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1990) 18:735-741), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Hydroxyl-N-desmethyldoxepin has the following structure:

2-Hydroxy-N-desmethyldoxepin can be prepared in its (Z) and (E) isomers as described in Examples 8-9.

Doxepin N-oxide has the following structure:

Doxepin-N-oxide may be prepared by any suitable method. For example, doxepin-N-oxide can be prepared as taught by Hobbs (Biochem Pharmacol (1969) 18:1941-1954), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The (Z) and (E) isomers of doxepin-N-oxide can be prepared by any suitable method. For example, the N-oxide form of the (Z) isomer of doxepin can be prepared as described above for doxepin, by using purified (Z)-doxepin as a starting material. Likewise, N-oxide form of the (E) isomer of doxepin can be prepared as described above for doxepin, by using purified (E)-doxepin as a starting material.

N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin can be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (E)-N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin has been produced in filamentous fungus incubated with doxepin as taught by Moody et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1999) 27:1157-1164), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin may be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (E)-N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin has been produced in filamentous fungus incubated with doxepin as taught by Moody et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1999) 27:1157-1164), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin may be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (E)-N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin has been produced in filamentous fungus incubated with doxepin as taught by Moody et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1999) 27:1157-1164), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Didesmethyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of didesmethyldoxepin can be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (Z)- and (E)-didesmethyldoxepin have been isolated from plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of depressed patients taking doxepin, as taught by Deuschle et al. (Psychopharmacology (1997) 131:19-22), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

3-O-glucuronyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of 3-O-glucuronyldoxepin can be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (E)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin has been isolated from the bile of rats given doxepin, as described by Shu et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1990) 18:1096-1099), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

2-O-glucuronyldoxepin has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of 2-O-glucuronyldoxepin can be prepared by any suitable means. For example, (E)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin has been isolated from the bile of rats given doxepin, and also in the urine of humans given doxepin, as described by Shu et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1990) 18:1096-1099), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Quaternary ammonium-linked glucuronide of doxepin (doxepin N⁺-glucuronide) has the following structure:

The (Z) and (E) isomers of doxepin Ntglucuronide can be obtained by any suitable means. For example, doxepin N⁺-glucuronide can be prepared, and the (Z) and (E) isomers thereof can be isolated as taught by Luo et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition, (1991) 19:722-724), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Preferably the ratio of E/Z metabolite isomers can be about 88.3/11.7, about 89/11, about 90/10, about 94/6, about 95/5, about 98/2, about 99/1, about 99.5/0.5, about 99.9/0.1, or about 100/0. Most preferably, the trans isomer of the metabolite is prepared, wherein the E/Z isomeric ratio is greater than 90/10, greater than 95/5, greater than 98/2, greater than 99/1, greater than 99.5/0.5, greater than 99.9/0.1, or is about 100/0. In some aspects, the ratio of E/Z isomers can vary from about 88.3/11.7 to about 100/0, from about 89/11 to about 99.9/0.1, from about 90/10 to about 99.5/0.5, from about 95/5 to about 99/1, from about 89/11 to about 97/3, from about 89/11 to about 94.9/5.1, or the like.

Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts and Prodrugs:

As mentioned above, the methods and other embodiments described herein can utilize any suitable pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or prodrug of doxepin or a metabolite of doxepin. Therefore, substitution of salts and prodrugs is specifically contemplated in the various embodiments, even though, only doxepin or doxepin metabolites may be specifically mentioned. The pharmaceutically-acceptable salts and prodrugs can be made by any suitable method. The acids that may be used to prepare pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are those that form non-toxic acid addition salts, i.e., salts containing pharmacologically acceptable anions, such as the acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, dislyate, estolate, esylate, ethylsuccinate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, oleate, oxalate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phospate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodode, and valerate salts.

The term “prodrug” refers to a chemical entity that is rapidly transformed in vivo to yield an active drug, such as for example doxepin or a metabolite of doxepin, for example, by hydrolysis in blood or inside tissues. Examples of pro-drug groups can be found in, for example, T. Higuchi and V. Stella, in “Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems,” Vol. 14, A.C.S. Symposium Series, American Chemical Society (1975); H. Bundgaard, “Design of Prodrugs,” Elsevier Science, 1985; and “Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design: Theory and Application,” edited by E. B. Roche, Pergamon Press: New York, 14-21 (1987), each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Preparation and Administration of Pharmaceutical Compositions

As discussed above, the trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, of doxepin metabolites, of prodrugs of the same, of salts of the same, and compositions that include trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, of a metabolite of doxepin, of a prodrug or of a doxepin salt can be used to treat a sleep disorder, for example, insomnia in a mammal, including a human. Also, doxepin isomer, metabolite isomer or isomer mix, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and/or prodrugs of the same can be administered alone or in combination with other substances, such as for example, other insomnia or sleep medications, or with other medications that treat a primary illness. For example, doxepin, doxepin metabolite, isomers, prodrugs or salts of the same can be used or administered with ramelteon, VEC-162, gaboxadol, APD125, trazodone, indiplon, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, AVE 8488, MDL 100907, eszopiclone, zolpidem, tiababine, ketanserin, zaleplon or the like. Further, doxepin, doxepin metabolite, isomers, prodrugs or salts of the same can be administered with one or more of 5-HT2 antagonists (such as ketanserin), H3 agonists, orexin antagonists, noradrenergic antagonists, galanin agonists, CRH antagonists, Gaboxadol, other GABA-A direct agonists, GABA reuptake inhibitors), growth hormone and growth hormone agonists, estrogen and estrogen agonists, melatonin agonists or the like.

The compositions as described herein can include doxepin, a doxepin isomer or isomers, a metabolite of doxepin, an isomer or isomers of a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of any of the aforementioned (alone or in combination, including with other medications), or a prodrug of any of the aforementioned in a unit dosage form. Unit dosage form can refer to a product form in which premeasured dosages of the drug are packaged, in contrast to bulk preparations. Examples of unit dosage forms are described herein, but several non limiting examples, include, a pill, a tablet, a capsule, a gel cap, a small liquid drug, an ampoule, a fast melt formulation, and the like. The isomers, salts and prodrugs alone or in combination can be included and administered as a composition. Methods of use can include the step of administering a therapeutically-effective amount of the compound or composition to a mammal in need thereof by any suitable route or method of delivery, including those described herein.

Actual dosage levels of the compounds in the pharmaceutical compositions may be varied so as to administer an amount of the compound that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient. Examples of dosages that can be used are described more fully elsewhere herein.

Suitable routes of administration include oral, buccal, sublingual, transdermal, rectal, topical, transmucosal, or intestinal administration; parenteral delivery, including intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramedullary injections, as well as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections.

For oral administration, the compounds can be formulated as pills, tablets, powders, granules, dragees, capsules, liquids, sprays, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions and the like, in bulk or unit dosage forms, for oral ingestion by a patient to be treated. the compounds can be formulated readily, for example, by combining the active compound with any suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

Pharmaceutical preparations for oral use can be obtained by mixing one or more solid excipients with a pharmaceutical composition as described herein, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries, if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients are listed below. Some examples include fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may be added, such as the cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.

The formulation can be in form suitable for bolus administration, for example. Oral administration can be accomplished using fast-melt formulations, for example. As a further example, the formulations can be included in pre-measured ampules or syringes, push-fit capsules made of gelatin, as well as soft, sealed capsules made of gelatin and a plasticizer, such as glycerol or sorbitol. The push-fit capsules can contain the active ingredients in admixture with filler such as lactose, binders such as starches, and/or lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate and, optionally, stabilizers. In soft capsules, the active compounds may be dissolved or suspended in suitable liquids, such as fatty oils, liquid paraffin, or liquid polyethylene glycols. In addition, stabilizers may be added. All formulations for oral administration should be in dosages suitable for such administration.

For buccal administration, the compositions may take any suitable form, for example, tablets or lozenges.

For topical administration, the compounds may be formulated for administration to the epidermis as ointments, gels, creams, pastes, salves, gels, creams or lotions, or as a transdermal patch. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also containing one or more emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or coloring agents.

For injection, the agents of the invention may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hanks's solution, Ringer's solution, or physiological saline buffer. For transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated can be used in the formulation.

For administration by inhalation, the compounds for use according to the present invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide, or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

The compounds may be formulated for parenteral administration by injection, e.g., by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form, e.g., in ampoules or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents.

Pharmaceutical formulations for parenteral administration include aqueous solutions of the active compounds in water-soluble form. Additionally, suspensions of the active compounds may be prepared as appropriate oily injection suspensions. Suitable lipophilic solvents or vehicles include fatty oils such as sesame oil, or synthetic fatty acid esters, such as ethyl oleate or triglycerides, or liposomes. Aqueous injection suspensions may contain substances which increase the viscosity of the suspension, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sorbitol, or dextran. Optionally, the suspension may also contain suitable stabilizers or agents which increase the solubility of the compounds to allow for the preparation of highly-concentrated solutions.

In addition, any of the compounds and compositions described herein can also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus, for example, the compounds may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt. Furthermore, any of the compounds and compositions described herein also can be formulated as a fast-melt preparation. The compounds and compositions can also be formulated and administered as a drip, a suppository, a salve, an ointment, an absorbable material such a transdermal patch, or the like.

One can also administer the compounds of the invention in sustained-release forms or from sustained-release drug delivery systems. A description of representative sustained release materials can be found in the incorporated materials in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20^(th) ed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens Publishers (2003)), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

A variety of techniques for formulation and administration can be found in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20^(th) ed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens Publishers (2003)), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As mentioned above, the compositions and formulations disclosed herein also can include one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier materials or excipients. Such compositions can be prepared for storage and for subsequent administration. Any acceptable carriers or diluents for therapeutic use can be used, including those described, for example, in the incorporated material of Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (2003). The term “carrier” material or “excipient” herein can mean any substance, not itself a therapeutic agent, used as a carrier and/or diluent and/or adjuvant, or vehicle for delivery of a therapeutic agent to a subject or added to a pharmaceutical composition to improve its handling or storage properties or to permit or facilitate formation of a dose unit of the composition into a discrete article such as a capsule or tablet suitable for oral administration. Excipients can include, by way of illustration and not limitation, diluents, disintegrants, binding agents, adhesives, wetting agents, polymers, lubricants, glidants, substances added to mask or counteract a disagreeable taste or odor, flavors, dyes, fragrances, and substances added to improve appearance of the composition. Acceptable excipients include lactose, sucrose, starch powder, maize starch or derivatives thereof, cellulose esters of alkanoic acids, cellulose alkyl esters, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, magnesium oxide, sodium and calcium salts of phosphoric and sulfuric acids, gelatin, acacia gum, sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, and/or polyvinyl alcohol, saline, dextrose, mannitol, lactose, lecithin, albumin, sodium glutamate, cysteine hydrochloride, and the like. Examples of suitable excipients for soft gelatin capsules include vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semisolid and liquid polyols. Suitable excipients for the preparation of solutions and syrups include, without limitation, water, polyols, sucrose, invert sugar and glucose. Suitable excipients for injectable solutions include, without limitation, water, alcohols, polyols, glycerol, and vegetable oils. The pharmaceutical compositions can additionally include preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorings, buffers, coating agents, or antioxidants. Sterile compositions for injection can be formulated according to conventional pharmaceutical practice as described in the incorporated material in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (2003). For example, dissolution or suspension of the active compound in a vehicle such as water or naturally occurring vegetable oil like sesame, peanut, or cottonseed oil or a synthetic fatty vehicle like ethyl oleate or the like may be desired. Buffers, preservatives, antioxidants and the like can be incorporated according to accepted pharmaceutical practice. The compound can also be made in microencapsulated form. In addition, if desired, the injectable pharmaceutical compositions may contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances, such as wetting agents, pH buffering agents, and the like. If desired, absorption enhancing preparations (for example, liposomes), can be utilized.

The compositions and formulations can include any other agents that provide improved transfer, delivery, tolerance, and the like. These compositions and formulations can include, for example, powders, pastes, ointments, jellies, waxes, oils, lipids, lipid (cationic or anionic) containing vesicles (such as Lipofectin™), DNA conjugates, anhydrous absorption pastes, oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, emulsions carbowax (polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights), semi-solid gels, and semi-solid mixtures containing carbowax. Any of the foregoing mixtures may be appropriate in treatments and therapies in accordance with the present invention, provided that at least one active ingredient in the formulation is not inactivated by the formulation and the formulation is physiologically compatible and tolerable with the route of administration. See also Baldrick P. “Pharmaceutical excipient development: the need for preclinical guidance.” Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 32(2):210-8 (2000), Charman WN “Lipids, lipophilic drugs, and oral drug delivery-some emerging concepts.” J Pharm Sci. 89(8):967-78 (2000), Powell et al. “Compendium of excipients for parenteral formulations” PDA J Pharm Sci Technol. 52:238-311 (1998) and the citations therein for additional information related to formulations, excipients and carriers well known to pharmaceutical chemists.

Dosages

The selected dosage level can depend upon, for example, the route of administration, the severity of the condition being treated, and the condition and prior medical history of the patient being treated. However, it is within the skill of the art to start doses of the compound at levels lower than required to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and to gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. Also, a patient can be administered a higher low dose (e.g., 6 milligrams) of the isomer or isomeric mixture, then the drug dosage can be tapered to a lower dosage. It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level for any particular patient can depend upon a variety of factors including the genetic makeup, body weight, general health, diet, time and route of administration, combination with other drugs and the severity of the particular condition being treated.

Any suitable dosage of the trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutical salt, or prodrug can be used to treat the sleep disorder such as insomnia. In some aspects, daily dosages of the trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers doxepin, of a doxepin metabolite, of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin, or of a prodrug of doxepin may vary from about 0.001 to about 9 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 99 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 249 milligrams, about 0.001 to about 499 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 49 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 40 milligrams, from about 0.1 to about 40 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 24 milligrams, about 0.01 to about 20 milligrams, from about 0.5 to about 30 milligrams, about 1 to about 20 milligrams, or from about 5, 10 or 20 milligrams to about 49 milligrams. Preferably, daily dosages of about 5, about 9, about 24, about 49, about 99, about 249, or about 499 milligrams or less can utilized. In other aspects, a daily dosage of greater than about 5, about 10, about 20 or about 30 milligrams can be used. However, as it is recognized that each individual may react differently to a given dose of the medication used, the dosages recited should be accorded flexibility. Further, any suitable unit dosage form can be formulated to contain the trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, of a doxepin metabolite, of a prodrug of doxepin or of pharmaceutically-acceptable salts of doxepin in the above-recited amounts (e.g., 0.01-49 mg, or higher).

In general, lower doses of the trans-(E) isomer or specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, of the metabolites, of the salts or of prodrugs of the same can be preferred. These low doses are surprisingly effective and, in most patients, have almost no side effects. In some embodiments, daily dosages can be about 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08 or 0.09 milligrams. In some embodiments about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 milligrams can be used. In another embodiment, daily dosages of can be about 0.01, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 milligrams. In another embodiment, daily dosages can be about 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 milligrams. Therapy at each of the doses described in this paragraph as well as ranges between these doses, are particularly contemplated. These relatively low doses between 0.01 milligrams up to, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15 or 20 milligrams, have reduced side effects and are surprisingly effective.

Further, in some embodiments, daily dosages of the trans-(E) isomer or of specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin may be up to about 25 or 30 milligrams. In another embodiment, daily dosages of the trans-(E) isomer or of specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin may be up to about 35 or 40 milligrams. In another embodiment, daily dosages of the trans-(E) isomer or of specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin may be up to about 45 or 49 milligrams.

Doses of the trans-(E) isomer or of the specified ratios of the cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin, of doxepin metabolites, of doxepin salts and of prodrugs of doxepin, for example, greater than 50 milligrams per day can be used. For example a dosage of about 50 milligrams to about 500 milligrams can be used. Also, a dosage of about 50 to about 300, about 50 to about 150, or about 50 to about 75 milligrams can be used, for example. Such doses can treat insomnia in patients not suffering from depression or in otherwise healthy patients.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Doxepin is Prepared by the Following Method.

(a) A Grignard compound is prepared in the conventional manner from 4.8 g

(0.2 gram-atom) magnesium in 100 ml ether and 30 g (34 ml) (3-chloropropyl)-tertbutyl-ether and 16.40 grams (0.078 mol) 6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine-11-one dissolved in 100 ml ether is added in dropwise fashion so that the contents of the flask boil lightly. The mixture is heated for 1 hour with agitation in a reflux condenser to complete the reaction and then it is decomposed with ammonium chloride solution. The product which is obtained by separating, drying and eliminating the solvent produced, when the ether residue (24.0 g) is extracted with ligroin, amounts to 20.3 g (80.0% of theory) of 11-(3-tertbutoxypropyl)-11-hydroxy-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine, having a melting point of 124-126° C. The (3-chloropropyl)-tertbutyl ether is thereafter obtained in the following manner: 19 g (0.2 mol) 1-chloropropanol-(3), 50 ml liquid isobutylene and 0.5 ml concentrated sulfuric acid are permitted to stand for 24 hours in an autoclave, then are poured into excess sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with ether. The ether solution is dried with calcium chloride and distilled. 23.6 grams of (3-chloropropyl)-tertbutylether having a boiling point of 150-156° C. (78% of theory) are recovered.

(b) 30.8 grams of the 11-(3-tertbutoxypropyl)-11-hydroxy-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine obtained according to (a) above and 150 ml absolute alcoholic hydrochloric acid are heated for 1 hour at ebullition. After removing the solvent by evaporation, the residue is crystallized with ligroin, 21.0 grams (88.5% of theory) of 11-(3-hydroxypropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine having a melting point of 108-111° C. were obtained. After recrystallization from acetic acid ester, the compound melts at 112-114° C.

(c) 5.0 ml thionyl chloride dissolved in 5 ml benzene is added dropwise at room temperature to 12.6 g (0.05 mol) of the 11-(3-hydroxypropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine obtained in part (b) above. After 1 hour of standing, the contents of the flask are heated at ebullition for 2 hours. The volatile components are thereafter removed and the remainder distilled using high vacuum. The yield amounts to 10.6 g (78.5% of theory) of 11-(3-chloropropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine having a B.P.0.1 169-172° C., a melting point of 106-111° C. After recrystallization from 20 ml of acetic acid ester, 9.1 g (67.5% of theory) of pure product having a melting point of 113-115° C. is obtained. The crude product can however be used quite easily for further processing.

(d) 5.4 g (0.02 mol) of the 11-(3-chloropropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine, prepared according to (c) above, in 20 ml tetrahydrofuran and 5.5 g (0.12 mol) dimethylamine in 20 ml ethanol is heated together for 3 hours using a glass autoclave and a temperature of 95-100° C. (boiling water bath). Water and 6 N hydrochloric acid are added to the contents of the autoclave and the mixture is extracted with ether. The separated, aqueous-acid components are then made alkaline with dilute caustic soda solution, and the oil thereby separated is taken up in ether. The ether residue, after distillation in a high vacuum, produces 4.1 g (73.5% of theory) of 11-(3-dimethylamino-propylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo-[b,e]-oxepine, having a B.P._(0.1) 147-150° C. The melting point of the hydrochloride is 182-184° C. (recrystallized from isopropanol).

Example 2 Preparation of Doxepin Isomer

Five grams of the cis/trans mixture of doxepin hydrochloride is converted to the free base and then to the maleate salt, M.P. 168-169° C. Several recrystallizations from ethanol afford a pure isomeric maleate, M.P. 172-173° C. This is reconverted to the free base and then to the hydrochloric acid-addition salt. This is purified by recyrstallization from a mixture of ethanol and ether; M.P. 192-193° C. The other pure isomer is isolated by the concentration of the crystallization liquors to dryness, followed by converting the residue to the free base and then converting the base to the hydrochloric-acid addition salt. After re-crystallization from a mixture of ethanol and ether, the salt has a M.P. of 209-210.5° C.

Example 3 Preparation of Desmethyldoxepin

Desmethyldoxepin is prepared according to the following method. Anhydrous 3-methylaminopropyltriphenylphosphonium bromide hydrobromide (1530 g) prepared as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,509,175, is suspended in 4.5 l dry tetrahydrofuran and 6.0 moles of butyl lithium in heptane is added during 1 hour. After an additional 30 minutes, 483 g of 6,11-dihydrodibenz(b,e)oxepin-11-one, is added to the deep red solution and the reaction is maintained at reflux for 10 hours. Water, 500 ml, is added at room temperature and the solvent is removed in vacuo. The crude residue is treated with 10% hydrochloric acid until acidic (pH 2) and then 1.5 l benzene is added. After stirring, the mixture separates into three phases (an insoluble hydrochloride salt product phase, an aqueous phase and an organic phase). The benzene layer is removed by decantation and the remaining mixture is rendered basic with 10% sodium hydroxide solution and is extracted with 3×1500 ml portions of benzene. The benzene extracts are washed, then dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated in a vacuum leaving a solid residue of desmethyldoxepin.

Example 4 Preparation of (e)-Desmethyldoxepin

(E)-Desmethyldoxepin is prepared from doxepin hydrochloride as follows. Doxepin hydrochloride (E/Z=85/15) (55.0 g, 0.174 mol) is dissolved in 600 mL H₂O, made basic with 6M NaOH, and extracted with CHCl₃ (3×600 mL). The CHCl₃ extracts are combined, dried over Na₂SO₄, and solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting oil is dissolved in 250 mL EtOH, then 21.15 g (0.182 mol) of maleic acid dissolved in 100 mL EtOH is added slowly, with stirring, followed by an additional 350 mL EtOH. The resulting cloudy solution is refluxed until it becomes clear, then allowed to stand overnight at room temperature; the resulting crystals are isolated by vacuum filtration. Additional recrystallization from EtOH yields a white crystalline product ((E)-Doxepin maleate) with an E/Z ratio of 98/2. (E)-Doxepin maleate (2.50 g, 6.32 mmol) is then partially dissolved in 60 mL H2O, made basic with 6M NaOH, and extracted with CHCl3 (3×60 mL). The CHCl3 extracts are combined, washed with 60 mL brine, dried over Na2SO4, and solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting oil is re-dissolved in 10 mL CHCl3, 1.8 mL (13 mmol) of triethylamine added, 1.8 mL (13 mmol) of 2,2,2-trichloroethylchloro-formate added, and reaction stirred under N2 for 3.5 hours. The completed reaction is then diluted with 140 mL Et2O, washed successively with 0.5M HCl (2×140 mL), H2O (140 mL), and brine (140 mL), then dried over MgSO4 and solvent removed in vacuo. Resulting material is further purified by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with EtOAc/Hex (20/80), to afford 1.48 g (3.36 mmol) of the desired product as a clear oil. The N-protected (E)-desmethyldoxepin intermediate (1.44 g, 3.27 mmol) is then dissolved in 12 mL THF, 2.88 g of zinc powder added, 2.3 mL of 1M sodium phosphate (pH=5.5) added, and reaction stirred for 17 hours. The reaction mixture is then vacuum filtered, filtrate solvent removed in vacuo, and resulting residue purified by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with THF/MeOH/NH₄OH (85/15/0.4), then THF/MeOH/NH₄OH (75/25/0.4), to afford 744 mg (2.80 mmol) of the desired product as a pale yellow solid.

Example 5 Preparation of (z)-Desmethyl Doxepin

(Z)-Desmethyldoxepin is prepared from doxepin hydrochloride as follows. Doxepin hydrochloride (E/Z=85/15) (100 g, 0.317 mol) is dissolved in 800 mL H₂O, made basic with 6M NaOH, and extracted with CHCl₃ (3×800 mL). The CHCl₃ extracts are combined, dried over Na₂SO₄, and solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting oil is dissolved in 700 mL EtOH, then 36.7 g (0.317 mol) of maleic acid dissolved in 600 mL EtOH is added slowly, with stirring. The resulting cloudy solution is refluxed until clear, then allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. Crystals are isolated by vacuum filtration and the mother liquor saved. Crystals are recrystallized two additional times as above, and the three mother liquors saved and combined and solvent removed in vacuo. Recrystallization of mother liquor material from refluxing EtOH eventually affords 24 g of a mother liquor product which is 65% Z isomer in composition. Recrystallization of this material from 450 mL EtOH gives crystals (9.1 g) which are 80% Z isomer. This material is recrystallized from 170 mL CHCl₃/CCl₄ (50/50) at 4° C., yielding 7.65 g of crystalline material which is 87% Z isomer in composition. Three additional recrystallizations from CHCl₃/CCl₄ eventually affords 5.12 g (12.9 mmol) of the desired product ((Z)-Doxepin maleate) with an E/Z ratio of 4/96; melting point: 162°-163° C. (Z)-Doxepin maleate (1.00 g, 2.53 mmol) is then partially dissolved in 35 mL H₂O, made basic with 6M NaOH, and extracted with CHCl₃ (3×35 mL). The CHCl₃ extracts are combined, washed with 35 mL brine, dried over Na₂SO₄, and solvent removed in vacuo. The resulting oil is re-dissolved in 4 mL CHCl₃, 0.65 mL (4.7 mmol) of triethylamine added, 0.65 mL (4.7 mmol) of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl-chloroformate added, and reaction stirred under N₂ for 3.5 hours. The completed reaction is then diluted with 50 mL Et₂O, washed successively with 0.5M HCl (2×50 mL), H₂O (50 mL), and brine (50 mL), then dried over MgSO₄ and solvent removed in vacuo. Resulting material is further purified by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with EtOAc/Hex (20/80), to afford 710 mg (1.61 mmol) of the desired product as a clear oil. The N-protected (Z)-desmethyldoxepin (679 mg, 1.54 mmol) is then dissolved in 5.7 mL THF, 1.36 g of zinc powder added, 1.1 mL of 1M sodium phosphate (pH=5.5) added, and reaction stirred for 17 hours. The reaction mixture is then vacuum filtered, filtrate solvent removed in vacuo, and resulting residue purified by silica gel column chromatography, eluting with THF/MeOH/NH₄OH (85/15/0.4), then THF/MeOH/NH₄OH (82/18/0.4), to afford 364 mg (1.37 mmol) of the desired product as a pale yellow solid.

Example 6 Preparation of (Z)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-dimethylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo [b,e]oxepin

A mixture of 2-methoxy-11-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin (165 mg, 0.005 mol) with glacial acetic acid (0.2 ml) and hydriodic acid (0.2 ml, 57%) was stirred and heated for 5 hr at 90° C. The product was then extracted and purified by pouring into ice water (25 ml), made alkaline with sodium hydroxide (2N) and extracted with ether (2×10 ml). The aqueous layer was then adjusted to pH 6.8 with hydrochloric acid (6N). The mixture was then brought to pH 7 by the addition of sodium bicarbonate solution (5%) and extracted with chloroform (2×10 ml). The extract was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give a yellowish solid. The crude reaction product was purified by preparative TLC (chloroform/toluene/methanol/ammonia, 4:3:2:1, v/v).

Example 7 Preparation of (E)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-dimethylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo [b,e]oxepin

A mixture of (Z)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-dimethylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin (2.5 mg, 8.5×10⁻⁶ mol) was dissolved in a mixture of hydrochloric acid (1 ml) and methanol (9 ml) and heated at 140° C. (oil bath) for 4 hr. The product was isolated by means of HPLC and evaporation of solvents.

Example 8 Preparation of (Z)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-methylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo [b,e]oxepin

A mixture of 2-methoxy-11-(3-methylaminopropyl)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin (0.005 mol) with glacial acetic acid (0.2 ml) and hydriodic acid (0.2 ml, 57%) is stirred and heated for 5 hr at 90° C. The product is then extracted and purified by pouring into ice water (25 ml), made alkaline with sodium hydroxide (2N) and extracted with ether (2×10 ml). The aqueous layer is then adjusted to pH 6.8 with hydrochloric acid (6N). The mixture is then brought to pH 7 by the addition of sodium bicarbonate solution (5%) and extracted with chloroform (2×10 ml). The extract is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated in vacuo to give a yellowish solid. The crude reaction product is purified by preparative TLC (chloroform/toluene/methanol/ammonia, 4:3:2:1, v/v).

Example 9 Preparation of (E)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-methylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo [b,e]oxepin

A mixture of (Z)-2-Hydroxy-11-(3-methylaminopropylidene)-6,11-dihydrodibenzo[b,e]oxepin (2.5 mg) is dissolved in a mixture of hydrochloric acid (1 ml) and methanol (9 ml) and heated at 140° C. (oil bath) for 4 hr. The product is isolated by means of HPLC and evaporation of solvents.

Example 10 Preparation of Doxepin-N-Oxide

An aqueous solution of doxepin hydrochloride was made alkaline and extracted with methylene chloride. Solvent was removed and the residue, dissolved in methanol, was treated for 5 days with an excess of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Chromatographic examination indicated that the doxepin had been completely replaced by a more polar substance determined from its mass spectrum to be the N-oxide.

Hobbs, D.C., Distribution and Metabolism of Doxepin (1969) Biochem Pharmacol 18:1941-1954; which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Example 11 Preparation of (Z) Doxepin-N-Oxide

An aqueous solution of purified (Z)-doxepin hydrochloride is made alkaline and extracted with methylene chloride. Solvent is removed and the residue, dissolved in methanol, is treated for 5 days with an excess of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Chromatographic examination indicates that the doxepin has been completely replaced by a more polar substance determined from its mass spectrum to be the N-oxide of the (Z) isomer of doxepin.

Example 12 Preparation of (E) Doxepin-N-Oxide

An aqueous solution of purified (E)-doxepin hydrochloride is made alkaline and extracted with methylene chloride. Solvent is removed and the residue, dissolved in methanol, is treated for 5 days with an excess of 30% hydrogen peroxide. Chromatographic examination indicates that the doxepin has been completely replaced by a more polar substance determined from its mass spectrum to be the N-oxide of the (E) isomer of doxepin.

Example 13 Isolation of (E)-N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (E)-N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (E)-N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin

(E)-N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (E)-N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (E)-N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin are isolated from Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) as described in the incorporated materials of Moody et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1999) 27:1157-1164). Briefly, cultures of C. elegans ATCC 9245 are incubated for 48 h at 26° C. on a rotary shaker operating at 125 rpm and then 10 mg of doxepin hydrochloride (E./Z ratio 83:16%) dissolved in 0.5 ml sterile physiological saline solution are added. After 96 h of incubation, the contents of each flask, are filtered through glass wool into a separatory funnel and extracted with three equal volumes of ethyl acetate. The organic extracts are dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to dryness in vacuo at 34°. The residue is dissolved in methanol and concentrated to approximately 100 μL by evaporation for analysis by HPLC.

The extract is injected repeatedly into a semipreparative scale HPLC system consisting of a Beckman model 100A pump, a Waters 486 turntable UV absorbance detector, and a Shimadzu model CR601 Chromatopac integrator. The compounds are eluted using a linear gradient of 30 to 75% methanol-buffer (v/v) over 30 min at 1.0 ml/min with a 10.0×250 mm column. The buffer used is 25 mM ammonium acetate, pH 7.2. Compounds with similar retention times are pooled. NMR and mass spectral analysis confirms the isolation of (E)-N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (E)-N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (E)-N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin.

Example 14 Isolation of (Z)—N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (Z)—N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (Z)—N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin

(Z)—N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (Z)—N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (Z)—N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin are isolated from Cunninghamella elegans (C. elegans) as described above in Example 12 for the (E) isomers. However, unlike Example 13, the cultures are initially incubated with doxepin enriched for the cis (Z)-isomer of doxepin at a Z/E ratio of greater than 85:15. NMR and mass spectral analysis confirms the isolation of (Z)—N-acetyl-N-desmethyldoxepin, (Z)—N-desmethyl-N-formyldoxepin, and (Z)—N-acetyldidesmethyldoxepin.

Example 15 Isolation of (E)- and (Z)—N-didesmethyldoxepin

(E)- and (Z)—N-didesmethyldoxepin are isolated from blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients treated with doxepin according to the methods described in the incorporated materials of Deuschle et al. (Psychopharmacology (1997) 131:19-22). Briefly, blood and cerebrospinal fluid are collected from patients being treated with doxepin. After centrifugation, (15000 g for 5 min), 100 μl of the samples is injected directly onto a clean-up column (10.0×4.0 mm) filled with Lichrospher RP-8 DIOL. Interfering plasma or CSF constituents are washed to waste using water containing 5% acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. After 5 min the flow is switched onto an analytical column and the drugs of interest are separated using methanol: acetonitrile: 0.008M phosphate buffer, pH 6.4 (188:578:235; V/V) for elution. NMR and mass spectral analysis confirms the isolation of (E)-N-didesmethyldoxepin and (Z)—N-didesmethyldoxepin.

Example 16 Isolation of (E)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (E)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin

(E)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (E)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin are isolated from rat bile according to the methods described in the incorporated materials of Shu et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition (1990) 18:1096-1099). Briefly, samples of rat bile are collected from rats for 4 hours after intraperitoneal injection with doxepin hydrochloride (28 mg/kg). The samples are chromatographed on a gradient HPLC system that consists of two solvent delivery pumps (Waters M045), a system controller (Waters Model 720), a UV absorbance detector (Waters Model 441), and an integrator (Hewlett 3390A). Chromotography is carried out on a column packed with Spherisorb nitrile (3 μm, 0.46×15 cm) and maintained at 50° C. The analysis begins with an initial isocratic period (1 min) with 95% solvent A (water) and 5% solvent B (acetonitrile/methanol, 75:25, v/v). Thereafter, a linear gradient elution is established by increasing the proportion of solvent B from 5% to 100% from 1 to 16 min, followed by a final period (4 min) of isocratic elution with 100% solvent B. The flow rate is 1.5 ml/min and UV absorbance is monitored at 254 nm with a sensitivity of 0.005 AUFS. NMR and mass spectral analysis confirms the isolation of (E)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (E)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin.

Example 17 Isolation of (Z)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (Z)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin

(Z)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (Z)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin are isolated from rat bile according to the methods described above in Example 16 with the exception that the rats are injected with doxepin enriched for the cis (Z)-isomer of doxepin at a Z/E ratio of greater than 85:15. NMR and mass spectral analysis confirms the isolation of (Z)-2-O-glucuronyldoxepin and (Z)-3-O-glucuronyldoxepin.

Example 18 Preparation of (E)- and (Z)-doxepin N⁺-glucuronide

The quaternary ammonium-linked glucuronide of doxepin (doxepin N⁺-glucuronide) is obtained by organic synthesis as described in the incorporated materials of Luo et al. (Drug Metabolism and Disposition, (1991) 19:722-724). Briefly, the synthetic procedure involves quaternization of commercial samples of doxepin with methyl(2,3,4-tri-0-acetyl-1-bromo-1-deoxy-α-D-glucopyranosid)urinate, and subsequent removal of the protecting groups by treatment with sodium hydroxide. Thus, to prepare the (Z)-isomer of doxepin N⁺-glucuronide, (Z)-doxepin is used as the starting material. To prepare the (E)-isomer of doxepin, (E)-doxepin is used as the starting material.

Example 19

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 20

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 21

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 22

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 23

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 24

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 25

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 26

The patient suffers from transient or short-term insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 27

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 28

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 29

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 30

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 31

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 32

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 33

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 34

The patient suffers from chronic insomnia. At the time of consultation, she also suffers from depression. She is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 35

The patient suffers from maintenance (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 36

The patient suffers from maintenance (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 37

The patient suffers from maintenance (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 38

The patient suffers from maintenance (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance overuse. He is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 39

The patient suffers from maintenance (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 40

The patient suffers from maintenance (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 41

The patient suffers from maintenance (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 42

The patient suffers from maintenance (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, he is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. He is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 43

The patient suffers from onset (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 44

The patient suffers from onset (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 45

The patient suffers from onset (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 46

The patient suffers from onset (non-chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 47

The patient suffers from onset (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 48

The patient suffers from onset (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 49

The patient suffers from onset (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of doxepin relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 50

The patient suffers from onset (chronic) insomnia. At the time of consultation, she is otherwise healthy with normal affect with no depression, anxiety or substance abuse. She is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the doxepin isomer relieves the insomnia and has her sleeping well.

Example 51

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin salt relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 52

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin salt relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 53

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin salt relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 54

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the isomer of the doxepin salt relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 55

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a prodrug of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 88.2% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin prodrug relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 56

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a prodrug salt of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin prodrug relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 57

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed a mixture of cis-(Z) and trans-(E) isomers of a prodrug of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite containing greater than 90% and less than 99.5% trans-(E) isomer in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the specified isomeric mixture of the doxepin prodrug relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Example 58

The patient suffers from a sleep disorder. The patient is prescribed the trans-(E) isomer of a prodrug of doxepin or a doxepin metabolite in a daily dosage of 0.0001 milligram, 0.1 milligram, 1 milligram, 2 milligrams, 3 milligrams, 5 milligrams, 6 milligrams, 10 milligrams, 20 milligrams or 40 milligrams, taken prior to bedtime. Follow up reveals that the administration of the isomer of the doxepin prodrug relieves the insomnia and has him sleeping well.

Many modifications and variations of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope, as is apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for the treatment of a patient suffering from insomnia comprising administering to said patient doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof in a daily dosage ranging from about 0.0001 to about 499 milligrams, wherein the doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains more than 90% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains more than 95% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains more than 98% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains more than 99% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains at least 99.5% or 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the daily dosage is about 0.01 to about 20 milligrams.
 10. A composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of doxepin, or a prodrug of doxepin in a unit dosage form of about 0.0001 milligrams to about 499 milligrams, wherein the doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains more than 90% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 12. The composition of claim 10, wherein said geometric isomer mixture contains about 89% to about 99.9% of the trans-(E) isomer.
 13. The composition of claim 10, wherein the amount is about 0.1 to about 20 milligrams.
 14. A method for treating insomnia comprising administering to a patient a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof in a dosage ranging from about 0.0001 to about 499 milligrams, wherein the metabolite of doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer or is 100% trans-(E) isomer.
 15. A composition comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier and a metabolite of doxepin, a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt of the metabolite, or a prodrug of the metabolite in unit dosage form of about 0.0001 milligrams to about 499 milligrams, wherein doxepin, the salt or the prodrug is a geometric isomer mixture containing about 88.3% to about 100.0% of the trans-(E) isomer of the metabolite or is 100% trans-(E) isomer. 